Breaking New Ground in the Brecks
Public exhibition and Conference
We want you to help us tell the Brecks story!
Wednesday June 12th Carnegie Rooms Thetford
10.00am to 3.00 pm
As part of a £2.1m bid to Heritage Lottery Fund The Brecks Partnership are
inviting members of the public and interest groups to an exhibition and
conference to highlight the fascinating landscape of the Brecks.
Entitled ‘Breaking New Ground’, the Landscape Partnership Scheme will
concentrate on a 253km2 area within the Brecks, including Brandon and
Thetford, with the aim of delivering real understanding and changes on the
ground.
.The scheme focuses on four key themes:
 conserving natural and built heritage,
 community participation,
 access and learning,
 heritage and skills.
Delivery is planned through a large number of smaller projects, which together
will provide long-term social, economic and environmental benefits for this
area.
Come along and find out about the amazing Brecks and how you can get
involved. Places for the conference are limited so book your place now by
visiting brecksbngconference.eventbrite.co.uk , or you can just drop in on the day to,
view the exhibition, see what it all about and give us your opinions. A large
number of local organisation and interest groups are already involved in the
bid development, with displays at the event by the following Breaking New
Ground Partner organisations;
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The Breckland Society
Suffolk County Council Archaeology Service
Norfolk County Council Historic Environment Service
Norfolk Biological Information Service / Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership
RSPB
Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Norfolk Trails / Discover Suffolk
Ends
Notes to Editors
Elizabeth Truss MP said: “This is fantastic news. The money will be a
welcome boost to the local economy developing tourism, local skills and
protecting the Brecks natural heritage. The area enjoys a wealth of
unique biodiversity, wildlife and wonderful landscapes.
Robyn Llewellyn, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East of England, said: “The
Brecks is a special part of East Anglia’s distinctive landscape and home to a
number of rare species of plants and insects including the wonderfully named
brush-thighed seed-eater! The Heritage Lottery Fund was keen to give its
initial support to this Landscape Partnership scheme, particularly as it
encourages local people to learn more about their natural heritage whilst also
gaining important skills in how to care for it.”
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¹ A Landscape Partnership (LP) earmarked first-round pass means that
money has been set aside by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the scheme
in question. Competition at this stage is tough, and while it does not
guarantee funding, it is an indication of positive support. The applicant then
progresses to the second round and submits a further, fully-developed
application to secure the full award. This early level of strong financial
commitment means that LPs can build strong partnerships with the assurance
that funding for their scheme is in place provided that their final proposals fully
meet the programme's criteria.
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² HLF’s Landscape Partnerships are helping bring together members of the
community as well as local, regional, and national organisations to deliver
schemes which benefit some of the UK’s most outstanding landscapes and
rural communities. Grants currently range from £250,000 up to £2m. From
2013 this range changes to £100,000 up to £3m.
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The funding comprises just under £1.5million for delivery of the project (for
which the project has a “first round pass”) and £78,500 development funding
(accessed now) - the initial funds will help the Brecks Partnership progress
their plans and enable them to apply for a full grant. The deadline for the
stage 2 submission is 11 November 2013, with the decision being made by
an HLF panel on the 6 March 2014.
The Breaking New Ground partnership is made up of regional, national and
local organisations with an interest in the area, community groups and
members of the community.
About The Brecks Partnership
The Brecks Partnership’s primary objective is to promote the conservation and quiet
enjoyment of the Brecks unique landscape, built environment, wildlife and historic
qualities through the conservation and enhancement of the countryside particularly
its habitats, biodiversity and cultural heritage; The Partnership works to encourage
sustainable development including the promotion of tourism and recreation
opportunities in the countryside, and to improve the quality of life for local people and
visitors to the area.
The Brecks Partnership has its origins in the Brecks Countryside Project, set
up in 1992 as a countryside management and sustainable tourism project
based in Thetford and covering the Norfolk and Suffolk Brecks. It has
previously delivered a number of projects to help achieve these objectives. In 2005
the Project was merged with the Tourism Partnership to create the Brecks
Partnership funded by the six local authorities of Forest Heath, St Edmundsbury,
Breckland, Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, Suffolk and Norfolk Councils.
The Brecks Partnership comprises 24 government, non-government organisations,
private sector, charity and interest groups and representatives of the community,
tourism sector and landowners
It is run by the Brecks Partnership Manager whose post is full-time, plus an
administrative support officer. Both posts are hosted by Suffolk County Council on
behalf of the Partnership www.brecks.org
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)
sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations
to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to
archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of
our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 33,000 projects, allocating £4.9billion
across the UK. Website: www.hlf.org.uk
Contact:
For more information and images or to arrange interviews, contact:
Nick Dickson
Breaking New Ground Development Manager
Brecks Partnership
Tel: 01842 765400
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.brecks.org/brecks-partnership/Breaking-New-Ground.aspx
Twitter: @TheBrecksBNG